Monday, January 25, 2016

M is for Malapropism

Malapropism in literature refers to the practice of misusing words by substituting words with similar sounding words that have different, often unconnected meanings, and thus creating a situation of confusion, misunderstanding and amusement. Malapropism is used to convey that the speaker or character is flustered, bothered, unaware or confused and as a result cannot employ proper diction. A trick to using malapropism is to ensure that the two words (the original and the substitute) sound similar enough for the reader to catch onto the intended switch and find humor in the result.

Example:

In the play Much Ado About Nothing, noted playwright William Shakespeare’s character Dogberry says, "Our watch, sir, have indeed comprehended two auspicious persons." Instead, what the character means to say is “"Our watch, sir, have indeed apprehended two suspicious persons."

Here a some hilarious examples of malapropism:

He had to use the fire distinguisher. (extinguisher)

Good punctuation means not to be late. (punctuality)

He is a wolf in cheap clothing. (sheep)

Michelangelo painted the Sixteenth Chapel. (Sistine)

Rainy weather can be hard on the sciences. (sinuses)

Having a good wife is called monotony. (monogamy)

Flying saucers are an optical conclusion. (illusion)

It is beyond my apprehension. (comprehension)

This post is a part of a collaborative project called, Blogging through the Alphabet. To read more

About Me

Welcome to our crazy life with a side of homeschool. I am a homeschooling mom with six children. I am currently juggling 3rd grade all of the way through high school. My oldest child has graduated and is a dance teacher. If homeschooling was not hard enough several of my children also deal with significant health issues that require almost weekly doctor's appointments.